USI CALLS ON LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO GIVE IRISH EQUAL PROMINENCE

USI CALLS ON LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO GIVE IRISH EQUAL PROMINENCE

21st June 2006

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has welcomed the restoration of traditional place names in the Gaeltacht to sole official status – while calling on communities outside the Gaeltacht to ensure that Irish and English place names are given equal prominence.

USI wants street signs, maps and other notices to be designed in such a way that traditional place names are not made subordinate to the English versions.

USI Irish Language Officer Ciarán Mac Fhearghusa said: “USI supports the reinstatement of Irish place names to sole official status in the Gaeltacht, but local authorities outside the Gaeltacht must not downplay the prominence given to Irish place names on road signs, maps and other official notices.

“USI is urging city and county councils to rethink their approach to bilingualism so that they cease to relegate Irish place names to second fiddle – the lettering for Irish names should not be smaller or less prominent, and place names in English should not automatically be listed first.

“USI also calls on local authorities to ensure that the names of new streets and housing developments are culturally appropriate – and refuse homebuilders permission for names that are unsuited.

“City and county councils must respect the fact that language is an important element of our cultural identity, and there is a symbolic importance to the way Irish is used and presented on official notices and signs.”


Ends


For more information please contact:

Tony McDonnell, USI President 086 8374104
Daniel Wood, Representation Executive 01 4353400